Meet a world of puppetry!

23 August 2024, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, Stockholm.

    The issue I wanted to address was the impact of the war in Ukraine on culture, and more specifically on puppet theatre, a major art form in Ukraine that I try to promote. As a puppeteer of Ukrainian origin, I am deeply moved by the way in which this conflict threatens not only human lives, but also the country's cultural heritage. My involvement in civil society and my recent travels in Ukraine, through artistic and humanitarian initiatives, have led me to reflect on how we, as artists, can continue to create, pass on our knowledge and preserve our heritage in a context of mass destruction.

    I also stressed the importance of international solidarity, through networks such as UNIMA, to support Ukrainian artists in the face of this war. My work with young artists, particularly during the bombings in Ukraine over the last two years, has shown me how vital it is to maintain a link with the outside world, despite the bombings and instability. Collectively, we need to think about the place of culture in a world where borders and social systems are profoundly different from one country to another, and where the liberalisation of the European market poses new challenges for artists.

    Finally, beyond the artistic aspect, it is a whole civil society without borders that I would like to see emerge, a network of support and solidarity capable of transcending conflicts and preserving the soul of a people through its culture.

    This speech took place at the Kulturhuset Stadsteatern as part of the POP UP PUPPETS international puppet festival, with the support of UNIMA and ASSITEJ Sweden.

By Indian puppeteer Anurupa Roy

27 July 2024, Auditorium de Gadagne, Lyon

    Within the Indian subcontinent lies a rich cultural heritage made up of a variety of traditional artistic expressions handed down from generation to generation, conveying the stories and customs that have shaped society for millennia. However, this precious heritage is now facing challenges that threaten its survival in a constantly changing world.

    Puppeteer Anurupa Roy plays an essential role in preserving this link between past and present. Through her experience and expertise, she will plunge us into the captivating history of puppet theatre in India, an art imbued with epics, local legends and unique narrative nuances. These puppets were not just entertainment; they were the guardians of a collective memory, the narrators of everyday realities and witnesses to social diversity.

    This event is organised by Clément Peretjatko in association with the Musée des arts de la marionnette - Gadagne, as part of the Cultural Summer organised by the DRAC Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, ministry of Culture.